Gabby Barrett Joins Fellow ‘American Idol’ Alum, Colton Dixon, On New Version Of Faith-Filled Song, ‘Build A Boat’

After Colton Dixon saw his faith-filled song “Build A Boat” rise to the No. 1 spot on radio for 10 weeks, he decided to get back into the studio and record a new version. This time, he invited along multi-platinum country star, Gabby Barrett, to bring the track to new heights with her added powerhouse vocals. 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Gabby Barrett Foehner (@gabbybarrett_)

Originally, “Build A Boat” was featured on Dixon’s self-titled EP, and also became the longest-running No. 1 Mediabase Christian AC song of 2022. Barrett, who competed on season 16 of American Idol, and Dixon, who competed on season 11 of the hit show, are both known for openly sharing their religious beliefs with their listeners. With the re-recorded version of the song, they ultimately rendered a new take on Dixon’s poetic message. 

“I respect Colton’s creativity as an artist and was already a big fan of ‘Build A Boat’ before he reached out to collaborate,” Barrett shared in a press release. “These lyrics really hit me, and it’s such a blessing to be a part of this new version and to be able to honor our Lord in this way.”

“I’m so honored to have a fellow American Idol alum, Gabby Barrett, join me in spreading the message of faith and perseverance through my song ‘Build A Boat’,” Dixon added. “What a great way to kick off the year!” 

Listen

Dixon penned the empowering single with Seth Mosley, Sandro Cavazza, Johan Lindbrandt, and Michael Gormley. Together, he and Barrett sing their praises as they embark on a voyage to solidify their trust in the one above with their eruptive vocals. 

“I will build a boat in the sand where they say it never rains / I will stand up in faith, I’ll do anything it takes / With Your wind in my sails, Your love never fails or fades / I’ll build a boat in the desert place / And when the flood and the water starts to rise, yeah / I’ll ride the storm ’cause I got You by my side / With Your wind in my sails, Your love never fails or fades / I’ll build a boat, so let it rain,” they sing together in the chorus. 

In support of what looks to be one of his most successful songs so far, Dixon is slated to hit the road for his headlining Build A Boat Tour this spring. The nationwide trek will hit 35 cities and begin on March 10 in Bedford, New Hampshire, with Jordan St. CYR and special guests Apollo LTD. 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Colton Dixon (@coltondixonmusic)

“Pick Me Up” Continues To Climb The Charts

For Barrett, this release follows some success of her own. Her fan-favorite track, “Pick Me Up,” recently became one of three solo female songs that charted simultaneously in the Top 10 of US Country Radio (Mediabase), according to US Radio Updater.

The Pennsylvania native’s song reached the No. 4 spot (and continues to climb) while Carly Pearce’s “What He Didn’t Do” reached No. 10, and Lainey Wilson’s “Heart Like A Truck” reached No. 8. 

For the first time since 2020, there are 3 solo female songs charting simultaneously in the Top 10 of US Country Radio (Mediabase):

#4. Pick Me Up @GabbyBarrett_
#8. Heart Like A Truck @laineywilson
#10. What He Didn’t Do @carlypearce

— US Radio Updater (@USRadioUpdater) January 22, 2023

This news tops off a year of accomplishments for Barrett, who also welcomed her second child, Augustine Boone Foehner, into the world with her husband Cade Foehner, on November 2. 

On top of her elevated mom duties, the singer/songwriter also recently teased that she’s in the process of putting together her second album. While there is no release date for her forthcoming album, the project will serve as the follow-up to her wildly successful debut album, Goldmine.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Gabby Barrett Foehner (@gabbybarrett_)

Gabby Barrett is next scheduled to appear at Stagecoach Country Music Festival in Indio, CA on April 29 before serving as support on the upcoming leg of Kane Brown’s Drunk or Dreaming Tour.